Top Things to do in Fort Sumner
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5 Things to do in Fort Sumner That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Fort Sumner, United States including Bosque Redondo Memorial, Billy the Kid Museum, Sumner Lake State Park, Billy the Kid’s Grave, Old Fort Sumner Museum.
1. Bosque Redondo Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By LovingRV
Free museum. Information about the Long Walk that the Native Americans had to take from their native home to Fort Sumner and then back home when they were finally allowed. There are also sheep that were popular with the Navajo people. Museum inside and another outside involving a walking trail. Beautiful grounds and very informative about the time and struggles.
2. Billy the Kid Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 227 reviews
A trip thru the New Mexico past during the 1800's and early 1900's Summer Hours May 15th thru October 1st Open daily 8:30 A.M. -5:00 P.M. NO MUSEUM TOURS AFTER 4:30 Winter hours Oct 2nd thru May 14th open Monday thru Saturday 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. No museum tours after 4:30 P.M. CLOSED ON SUNDAYS DURING WINTER HOURS Museum Is open on Sunday during Summer hours
Reviewed By ReneeN-H - Chappell Hill, United States
Outlaw history of the Old West is not just captured in the history books which is super cool. There are places you can visit like this place just on Billy The Kid Road in New Mexico where you can actually see his gravesite and learn more of his history and the world of the Old West as he knew it!
3. Sumner Lake State Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By Peter_A_Morrell - Unionville, Canada
As I made my way down the '84 on my way to Roswell after leaving the Blue Hole, I saw the sign for Sumner Lake State Park. I have been to Fort Sumner before but never up to the lake. Being an explorer and not knowing when I would be back in the area I decided I had to check it out. I would be in Roswell much later than I had planned but I had the whole day to do whatever I wanted to. Off I went, I took the turn down the 203 and headed to the Lake. Please note that it's about 20 minutes to get there from the '20 unless you get stuck behind a massive slow-moving RV (just sayin'). As I approached the area I noticed a picnic area, which I stopped at and checked out. I went to the west side of the lake and drove along the dam and into the park. When I got out I was on a high ridge and quite a drop to the lake so I walked along one of the lake trails and saw a really nice lake, surrounded by rock and sand and dirt, but very scenic in a desert sort of way. I found a little path that took me right to the water. The water was clear but you could see its a muddy, silty bottom. Even so, I changed into my shorts and went for a swim. The water was very nice, cool but not cold. Like any lake the closer you are to the shore the warmer the water. I didn't go out too far as it was an unfamiliar body of water but I got a good 10-minute swim before I decided to check out more of the lake. I didn't find any showers but I was able to clean up sufficiently in the of the restrooms. I drove around the park and took i the amazing view and drove around some of the cottages and homes in the village. You can't really get to the other side of the lake without a truck, jeep or quad, but there are trails so be warned. The other side of the park is very nice as well, the camping and trailer spots are clean and well kept. There are trails and paths and inlets and lagoons all around the lake opposite the dam, so you can spend a few hours, a day or a few days at the lake and not get bored. The Lake has fishing, boating, and you can canoe and kayak as well as swim, and the area is really worth exploring. I do recommend a visit if you're looking for something to do. Be careful as it is hot and dry you can get sunburned quite easily if you're not careful. It is really worth checking out.
4. Billy the Kid’s Grave
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By davidwshaffer - Artesia, United States
If you like history you definitely need to take this drive to see his grave. The drive is kind of relaxing and you get to see a different kind of world on the drive.
5. Old Fort Sumner Museum
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 81 reviews
Reviewed By Bluesboy10
The cemetery of Fort Sumner has Billy the Kid's gravesite- this is interesting along with Billy the Kid Museum. BUT don't miss going one block further up Billy the Kid road to see the Bosque Redondo "Forest of Redondo" - it's a beautiful free museum about what occurred at Fort Sumner ; it is a memorial to Native Americans held captive there
